A controversial bill scheduled for introduction Wednesday in the state Senate would legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, and establish a regulatory system for its cultivation and sale to adults.

The 44-page proposal, drafted by Sen. David Zuckerman, a Chittenden County Democrat/Progressive, is identical to one expected to be introduced in the House by Rep. Chris Pearson later this week.

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Zuckerman said it's time to recognize that 80,000 Vermonters regularly use marijuana.

"This bill will hopefully reduce access for youth using marijuana and separate the relationship between purchasing marijuana from the underground market, " Zuckerman said. "This bill basically brings marijuana into a regulatory environment much like alcohol."

Among the bill's key elements:

-Establishment of a five-member "Marijuana Control Board" appointed by the governor within the Department of Public Safety.

-The board would license retail outlets and marijuana lounges -- similar to a bar -- and nonprofit cultivation operations.

-The state would impose a $40 per ounce tax on the sale of highest-grade marijuana to customers 21 and over.

-Residents would be permitted to possess up to one ounce of processed marijuana, along with several plants.

-Visitors could purchase 1/4-quarter ounce from a licensed retailer or lounge.

-Consumption of pot in a public place would be prohibited.

-Towns could prohibit a marijuana cultivator or retail outlet from locating in their communities.

But action on the bill is doubtful this year at the Statehouse.

Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell says the bill will not advance this session.

"I think a lot of Vermonters are ready for this," Zuckerman said Tuesday, "and I think as a Legislature we could do this next year -- the majority supports it and the election year conundrum I don't think should be an issue for my colleagues."

Gov. Peter Shumlin says he favors eventual legalization, but repeated Tuesday he wants to wait until more data is available from Colorado and Washington -- the first states to legalize marijuana last year.